The Laker/Lutz News

Serving Pasco since 1981/Serving Lutz since 1964

Health

Health & Wellness (09-25-24): St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earns 4 stars

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North opened in February 2010. The 210-bed hospital, located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, offers emergency care, surgical services, GI endoscopy, imaging, intensive care, obstetrics, cardiac catheterization and interventional radiology. Photo courtesy of BayCare Health System

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North earns 4-star rating

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz earned a 4-star rating in the latest Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report. 

The star rating system allows people to find and compare information about the quality of care at more than 4,000 Medicare-certified hospitals across the country. The categories used to determine the ratings are mortality, readmissions, patient experience, safety, and timely and effective care.

The highest rating in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report is 5 stars and only 40% of hospitals nationally earned a 4 or 5-star rating.

“The CMS Hospital Quality Star Ratings Report is a rigorous evaluation of care at hospitals,” said Sara Dodds, president of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “We are proud that we are in the upper echelon with four stars. When evaluating hospitals, it is important for people to know that we are considered to be of the highest standards as determined by one of the government’s most important health care entities.”

Laura Arline, chief quality officer for BayCare, said hospital star ratings not only help people decide where to receive their health care, but they also help hospitals identify where they excel and can improve. 

 

Health care partnership to benefit San Antonio, Wesley Chapel

TAMPA – Metro Development Group and BayCare launched a partnership to enhance the health and well-being of residents at Epperson and Mirada, two of Metro’s cornerstone master planned communities within Connected City.

Through the partnership, residents will have access to a personal concierge service accessible by phone or internet. Services could include locating and scheduling assistance for primary care or specialists, labs, urgent care, wellness services, support groups and health classes, along with assistance with online services.

BayCare will provide a range of customizable care services accessible by residents in the convenience of their homes, BayCareAnywhere telehealth app for 24/7 virtual consultations, doctor-on-demand, at-home AI-driven symptom checker for prompt health evaluations and online wellness and nutritional content.

The partnership will include a dedicated medical office near Epperson, providing comprehensive primary and acute care services including a freestanding emergency department. This HealthHub, supported by BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel, located seven miles away, ensures residents have convenient access to a full spectrum of exclusive health care options.

 

Get your questions answered about Medicare

PASCO COUNTY – Specially trained volunteers can assist with Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance questions by providing one-on-one counseling and information.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas. 

Volunteers will be available to answer questions about Medicare at several Pasco County events: 

  • Oct. 1 at 10:30 a.m. at the Centennial Park Library, 5740 Moog Road, Holiday. Details: 727- 834-3204
  • Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. at the New Port Richey Library, 5939 Main St., New Port Richey. Details: 727-853-1279
  • Oct. 16  at 11 a.m. at the Genesis Center MOW, 38112 15th Ave., Zephyrhills. Details: 813-782-7859            
  • Oct. 17 at 10:30 a.m. at the New River Library, 34043 FL-54, Wesley Chapel. Details: 813-788-6375
  • Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. at the Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Pkwy., Land O’ Lakes. Details: 813-929-1214
  • Oct. 24 at noon at the Hugh Embry Library, 14215 4th St., Dade City. Details: 352-567-3576
  • Oct. 30 at 11 a.m. at Regency Park Library, 9701 Little Road, New Port Richey. Details: 727-861-3049 

SHINE counselors can also be reached by calling 1-800-963-5337 or 727-217-8111.

 

Hillsborough County observes National Adult Day Services Week

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY – Hillsborough County Adult Day Service celebrated National Adult Day Services Week from Sept. 15 to 21. 

The celebration included several events that recognize the older adults they serve, the caregivers who receive respite, and the staff at Hillsborough County’s four Adult Day Service Centers.

Centers allow caregivers to receive respite or continue employment while their loved ones enjoy a supervised and socially stimulating setting. The centers offer mental, social and physical activities for people who have frailties, physical or cognitive impairments, or chronic health conditions.

Hillsborough County’s four Adult Day Service Centers are as follows: 

  • Phyllis Busansky Specialized Alzheimer’s Adult Day Care Center , 4102 W. Spruce St., Tampa
  • Bloomingdale Adult Day Care Center, 3940 Canoga Park Drive, Brandon
  • Plant City Adult Day Care Center, 1205 S. Waller St., Plant City
  • Wimauma Senior Center , 16621 Lagoon Shore Blvd., Wimauma

Health & Wellness (09/18/24): Super Bowl champ visits hospital

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Martin Gramática
Martin Gramática, who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1999 to 2004, takes photos with AdventHealth Tampa staff. Photo courtesy of AdventHealth

Super Bowl winner cheers on clinicians

TAMPA – Super Bowl winner Martin Gramática stopped by AdventHealth Tampa on Sept. 8 to greet hundreds of doctors, nurses and clinicians as they kicked off the 2024 football season. 

The former Bucs kicker took time to sign autographs, take photos and show his appreciation for the hard work frontline healthcare workers do every day.

AdventHealth is the exclusive hospital of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

 

Embodhi opening Lutz location

LUTZ – Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa, a company specializing in holistic health services, invites the community to a pair of events celebrating the opening of its new Lutz location. 

The North Tampa Bay Chamber will celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19. An open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 21. 

Located at 16007 North Florida Ave., Embodhi Integrative Wellness and Medspa offers medical weight loss, hormone therapy, IV therapy and aesthetic services, such as dermal filler, neuromodulators, microneedling and polydioxanone thread. 

On the web: em-bodhi.com

 

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North promotes breast cancer awareness

LUTZ – St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz is holding a free, special event for Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. In which women of all ages can socialize, shop and learn about wellness services at the hospital. 

The event is highlighted by personal breast cancer screenings with St. Joseph’s Hospital-North and BayCare Medical Group breast surgeon Dr. Diane Durgan. She’ll also answer questions about breast health and the latest in breast cancer treatment and detection. 

The event includes information about St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s Shimberg Breast Center, a pop-up shop with breast cancer awareness items, a photo booth, an opportunity to schedule annual mammograms, food, vendors with health products, fitness clothing and other gifts and accessories.

The event takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. Oct 2 in St. Joseph’s Hospital-North Atrium, 4211 Van Dyke Road. Parking is available in the visitor’s lot in front of the Physician Office Building. RSVP at https://bit.ly/3MDiCDH. Call 813-443-7114 for details. 

 

University has innovative brain equipment

TAMPA – The University of South Florida has been breaking in a new functional MRI machine with full research capabilities.

U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL-14) secured $1 million in federal community project funding to bring the fMRI to the Tampa Bay area to advance the prevention and treatment of brain disease.

The new fMRI measures activity in different parts of the brain during mental and physical tasks.

Officials say it is the first such machine in the metro area.

 

BayCare offers health screenings

LAND O’ LAKES – BayCare will offer free health screenings at Land O Lakes Library. 

This includes lipid screenings with blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10 to 15 minutes per person. 

The event takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at 2818 Collier Parkway. Walk-ins are welcome. 

 

‘Denying Gravity’ address aging

NEW PORT RICHEY – SAGES Theater will usher in National Fall Prevention Month with a free performance of “Denying Gravity.” 

The play is a collaboration among the theater, local first responders and groups like the AARP and Area Agencies on Aging. 

It is a “narrative woven with humor and heartache that resonates profoundly with older adults and their loved ones,” according to a news release.

The play will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd. 

There also will be resource tables, complimentary goody bags and prize drawings.

Reserve a free seat by visiting MyTBtickets.com or SagesTheater.org (and click on the RED reservation banner). Call 727-692-0902 for more information. 

 

Health & Wellness (09/11/24): Youth work to end drug abuse

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Youth lead charge against substance abuse

The Alliance for Health Communities holds youth advocacy meetings to end substance abuse. 

Middle and high school students are invited to the meetings, which are held at three locations:

  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at the New Port Richey Recreation Center, 6630 Van Buren St., New Port Richey.
  • 5 to 6 p.m. on the third Wednesday of each month at South Holiday Library, 4649 Mile StretchDrive, Holiday.
  • 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month at YESS Office Space, 15029 14th St., Dade City.

On the web: empoweredcommunities.org

 

Hospital earns accreditation for chest pain

DAVENPORT – The American College of Cardiology has recognized AdventHealth Heart of Florida in Davenport for its expertise and commitment in treating patients with chest pain. 

AdventHealth Heart of Florida was awarded Chest Pain Center Accreditation with Primary PCI in August based on an onsite evaluation of the staff’s ability to evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who may be experiencing a heart attack.

Hospitals receiving the accreditation must take part in a clinical process that includes: examining variances of care, developing an action plan; a rigorous onsite review; and monitoring for sustained success. 

 

AdventHealth sites host free health talks

ZEPHYRHILLS – AdventHealth Zephyrhills has announced topics for free health Lunch and Learn talks over the next couple of months. 

  • Cardiology experts will speak at Keeping Your Heart Healthy from noon to 1 p.m. Sept. 18. 
  • Women’s Health will be the topic for October from noon to 1 p.m. Oct. 24. 

Both events are at The Genesis Community Center, 38112 15th Ave. 

Call 877-534-3108 or visit AHZephyrhills.com/Events to register.

 

BayCare offers health screenings

LAND O’ LAKES – BayCare will offer free health screenings at Land O Lakes Library. 

This includes lipid screenings with blood pressure, lipid, BMI and glucose checks (all done via finger sticks). Each screening should take about 10 to 15 minutes per person. 

The event takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sept. 19 at 2818 Collier Parkway. Walk-ins are welcome. 

 

Health News (09/04/24): Hospital lauded for robotic surgery

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St. Joseph’s Hospital-North team members with the surgical arms of the robot positioned over the surgical table in an operating room. From left, Primo Gunabe, Jennifer Downing, Louis Garcia, Paige Bruseski and Chris Vinas. Photo courtesy of ourtesy of Martin Bahl/BayCare

Hospital receives high marks for robotic surgery program

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has received accreditation as a Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery by the Surgical Review Corporation. 

The designation signifies that St. Joseph’s Hospital-North’s robotic surgery services provide the highest quality of care to patients.

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North underwent a series of inspections and visits where all aspects of the robotic surgical program were scrutinized. 

The inspection and visit process involved physicians, nurses and administrators within robotic surgery at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.
The accreditation process is done every three years. The hospital will be up for reaccreditation in 2027.

Surgeons have performed nearly 3,500 robotic surgeries from 2014 to July 31, 2024. St. Joseph’s Hospital-North is on track to perform more than 700 robotic surgeries in 2024 – the highest number of robotic surgeries in a year in the hospital’s history. 

The top three years at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for robotic surgeries are 655 in 2023, 647 in 2022 and 533 in 2021.

“Accreditation shows our dedication to high-quality surgery outcomes for our patients,” said Jennifer Downing, surgical services director at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. “Robotic surgery is minimally invasive and can provide faster recovery times so our patients can get back to their regular lives and activities quickly with less pain and less downtime.”

The surgeon operates the robot from a console that has four interactive arms and a high-resolution screen that projects 3-D images of the surgical site. The surgeon manually operates the instruments using their hands and fingers. When the surgeon moves, the instruments respond precisely to those movements in real time. The instruments work identically to the movement of a human arm, human elbow and a human wrist, however with an enhanced range of motion.

Robotic surgery can provide superior dexterity, enhanced vision and improved surgical access compared to conventional minimally invasive surgery or traditional open surgery. The robot navigates a precise approach to areas that traditional surgical instruments are unable to reach.

Many robotic surgeries are done as outpatient surgery, and patients are discharged on the same day as their surgery.

Dr. Louis Matherne IV, a BayCare Medical Group general surgeon, has performed robotic surgery since 2016. He uses the robot at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North for surgeries on the gallbladder, appendix, colon, small bowel and hernias.

Matherne was a strong proponent of St. Joseph’s Hospital-North pursuing the Center of Excellence in Robotic Surgery status and designation.

“We perform a high number of robotic cases at St. Joe’s North,” Matherne said. “It is important for that to be recognized and the community to know that we have the expertise and ability to do advanced robotic surgeries safely with good outcomes. If people are looking for minimally invasive surgery, they should look here at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North.”

Robotic surgeries at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North are performed in gynecology, urology, colorectal and general surgery. Learn more at StJosephsNorthRobotics.org.

 

CUP employees do the honor at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The coffeehouse is officially open at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North. Photo courtesy of Martin Bahl/BayCare

New coffeehouse promotes inclusion

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North in Lutz has opened a new coffeehouse, located in the hospital’s Twigs Café, in partnership with the community organization CUP. 

It is staffed by employees of CUP — Coffee Uniting People, a nonprofit Tampa Bay organization about inclusion, empowerment, acceptance and opportunity for people of all abilities. Employees of CUP have intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Having CUP here allows us to really deepen our culture of inclusivity and live it every single day,” said Mary Partridge, the hospital’s operations director. “These employees have a lot to teach us and I’m excited about everything that is to come.

CUP will offer a variety of coffee and tea options, light snacks and baked goods. This is its third location in the Tampa area.

 

Algal toxin prompts alert

The Florida Department of Health in Pasco County issued a health alert Aug. 28 for the presence of harmful blue-green algal toxins in Blanton Lake. 

This was in response to a water sample taken on Aug 27, 2024. 

The department urged the public to be cautious in and around Blanton Lake.

Residents and visitors were advised to take the following precautions:

  • Do not drink, swim, wade, use personal watercraft, water ski or boat in waters where there is a visible bloom.
  • Wash skin and clothing with soap and water if there is contact with algae or discolored or smelly water.
  • Keep pets away from the area. Waters where there are algae blooms are not safe for animals. Pets and livestock should have a different source of water when algae blooms are present.
  • Do not cook or clean dishes with water contaminated by algae blooms. Boiling the water will not eliminate the toxins.
  • Eating filets from healthy fish caught in freshwater lakes experiencing blooms is safe. Rinse fish filets with tap or bottled water, throw out the guts and cook fish well.
  • Do not eat shellfish in waters with algae blooms.

The department encouraged the public to report a bloom by calling 855-305-3903, report fish kills by calling 1-800-636-0511 and report symptoms from exposure to a harmful algal bloom or any aquatic toxin to call 1-800-222-1222. Veterinarians can address issues related to pets. Other questions or concerns about blue-green algae blooms can be addressed by the Florida Department of Health in Pasco County by calling 813-619-0300.

 

Hospital offers newborn classes

St. Joseph’s Hospital-North will offer these free in-person classes and events in September:

  • Breastfeeding Support Group – Sept. 12 and 26, 12:30 to 2 p.m.
  • Understanding Breastfeeding – Sept. 12, 3 to 6 p.m.
  • Understanding Your Newborn – Sept. 26, 3 to 6 p.m.

The hospital is located at 4211 Van Dyke Road, Lutz.

Registration is required. Visit BayCareEvents.org and choose “St. Joseph’s Hospital-North” in the “Facility/Location” filter, or call 855-314-8352 and press the number 2 at the prompt.

Classes are for those who have delivered or will deliver their baby.

 

Recovery walk set for Sept. 21

The ASAP Recovery Committee at Empowered Communities is registering participants for the fourth annual Stronger Together Recovery Walk.

The walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 21 at Sims Park in New Port Richey. It will include vendors, speakers, food, prizes, music and kids’ activities.

The first 200 people will receive a free T-shirt. Admission is free.

Email to walk or become a vendor.

‘Denying Gravity’ address aging

SAGES Theater will usher in National Fall Prevention Month with a free performance of “Denying Gravity.” 

The play is a collaboration among the theater, local first responders and groups like the AARP and Area Agencies on Aging. 

It is a “narrative woven with humor and heartache that resonates profoundly with older adults and their loved ones,” according to a news release.

The play will take place from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.

Sign language interpreters will be there. 

There also will be resource tables, complimentary goody bags and prize drawings.

Reserve a free seat by visiting MyTBtickets.com or SagesTheater.org (and click on the RED reservation banner). Call 727-692-0902 for more information. 

Health News 08/28/2024

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A healthy checkup for students

Students get back-to-school checkups at an event hosted by AdventHealth North Pinellas. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

More than 85 students from the Tarpon Springs area received back-to-school health screenings during an annual event hosted by AdventHealth North Pinellas and Citizens Alliance for Progress Inc., according to a news release.

AdventHealth hospital staff and Rasmussen School of Nursing students checked children in kindergarten through eighth grade for vision, blood pressure, and checks on ears, nose and throat. Adults also were provided blood pressure and glucose screenings.

“We focus not just on your medical care but whole-person care, and that means making sure our young ones are healthy and prepared to take on a new school year,” said Ryan Quattlebaum, president and CEO of AdventHealth North Pinellas, in the news release.

Families also were provided a free nutritional meal and a backpack filled with school supplies to help get the school year started.

Medicare Basics

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) representatives will make these upcoming stops to answer Medicare questions:

  • Sept. 19, 10:30 a.m.: New River Library, 34043 State Road 54, Wesley Chapel. Call 813-788-6375.
  • Sept. 21, 10 a.m.: Land O’ Lakes Library, 2818 Collier Parkway. Call 813-929-1214.
  • Sept. 26, noon: Hugh Embry Library, 14215 Fourth St., Dade City. Call 352-567-3576.

SHINE is a free program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco & Pinellas.

Representatives visit hospital

From left: Tim Tidwell, SJN patient services director; Anand Nayee, SJN chief medical officer; Lou Galdieri, BayCare co-chief operating officer; Keri Eisenbeis, BayCare chief of staff and chief communications officer; Sara Dodds, SJN president; Rep. Brett Guthrie; Rep. Gus Bilirakis; and Jason Rodriguez, BayCare government relations director. (Courtesy of Martin Bahl/BayCare)

Congressman Gus Bilirakis of Pinellas County and Rep. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky recently visited St. Joseph’s Hospital-North (SJN) in Lutz. Both representatives are on the Health Subcommittee in Congress with Guthrie serving as the Health Subcommittee chair.

The representatives talked with BayCare and hospital officials about health care issues and toured St. Joseph’s Hospital-North including the pharmacy and the hospital’s innovative Unit for Psychiatry and Medical Services (UPM).

The UPM, which opened in April 2023, treats patients that simultaneously have medical and psychiatric diagnoses and needs. Traditionally, these patients are treated separately and are transferred back and forth between medical and psychiatric units. The UPM at St. Joseph’s Hospital-North treats these patients for medical and psychiatric needs in one unit.

Hospital begins expansion

AdventHealth Wesley Chapel announced a major expansion project to support the growing community of Pasco County. Construction began in early July, with the new additions expected to be ready by late 2025, according to a news release.

The new three-story North Wing and two-story South Courtyard Infill will add 80,373 square feet of new space and include the renovation of 8,837 square feet of existing space. The expansion will increase the hospital’s licensed beds from 169 to 193, with room for two more 24-bed units.

Rendering of the entire hospital expansion, set to be complete by the end of 2025. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

The new addition allows for: 72 inpatient beds, two operating rooms, two endoscopy suites, one hybrid operating room, 20 pre-op and post-op beds, and advanced imaging capabilities with MRI, and radiology.

For more information about the hospital and ongoing updates, visit AHWesleyChapel.com.

Cardiac rehab unit expands

AdventHealth Heart of Florida has opened an expanded cardiac rehab unit, doubling the number of patients that can be treated and reducing wait time before new patients can enroll in the program, according to a news release.

Before the expansion, the unit was treating an average of 56 patients a month. With the new space, the team can double that volume. 

The rehab unit has been working to help people recover and get on the road to a happier, healthier life through physical therapy, cardiac-friendly diets, smoking cessation and more. Many of the patients in the program are older and live alone, so in addition to treating their bodies, the program also helps raise their spirits.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says cardiovascular disease and its mortality are increasing in working-age adults.

The unit is at 40124 U.S. 27 in Davenport. To learn more about the program, call 863-419-1811.

Florida hospital recognized

AdventHealth Heart of Florida has been named to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 Best Hospitals list as a High Performing hospital for knee replacement, according to a news release. 

This is the highest distinction a hospital can earn for U.S. News’ Best Hospitals Procedures & Conditions ratings, which are designed to assist patients and their health care providers in making informed decisions about where to receive care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

U.S. News evaluated nearly 5,000 hospitals across 15 specialties and 20 procedures and conditions; only 11% of evaluated hospitals earned a Best Hospitals ranking.

Hospitals awarded a “best” designation excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level of nursing care and patient experience.

To calculate ratings, U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance on objective measures such as risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and level of nursing care.

For more information, visit https://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/fl/heart-of-florida-regional-medical-center-6390286.

Health News 08/21/2024

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Hospital earns five-star rating
AdventHealth Zephyrhills has achieved a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings for 2024, according to a news release.

(Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Hospital leaders implemented a series of best practices to build a clinical infrastructure focused on safe and effective care to reach these top designations. According to CMS, more than 4,500 hospitals were evaluated nationwide. The rating system is based on safety of care, readmission, patient experience, timeliness of care and mortality rates.

“At AdventHealth, we aim to inspire our team members to treat each patient with the utmost compassion, as if they were family. From the first moment of admission to the final steps of discharge, we ensure that every patient and their loved ones feel prioritized and cared for,” said Mike Murrill, president and CEO of AdventHealth Zephyrhills, AdventHealth Dade City and AdventHealth Connerton, in the release.

“These CMS ratings highlight the dedication and excellence our team brings to the communities we serve,” said Murrill.

The CMS Hospital Compare website represents data from July 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

For more information and to see how AdventHealth’s scores compare locally and nationally, visit Medicare.gov/HospitalCompare.

Donation to help veterans in their golden years
The five offices of Pasco County Tax Collector Mike Fasano raised $10,801.80 for the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home during the month of June, according to a news release.

From left: Rebecca Corley, program director; Marlies Sarrett, administrator; Mike Fasano, tax collector; and Tim Couet, chief deputy tax collector. (Courtesy of Pasco Tax Collector’s Office)

The nursing home was built for veterans who need long-term skilled nursing care, with about 50% of the beds dedicated to veterans with dementia and related memory disorders.

The monies raised will be used to improve the recreation area, dollars that are not provided by any other source other than through donations.

“It was a great honor for our offices to raise over $10,800 for the Baldomero Lopez State Veterans Nursing Home, which provides the long-term care needs of men and women who have served in the military, having sacrificed so much of themselves for our great nation,” said Fasano, in the release.

“Pasco County is a beautiful county, with the outdoor recreation area giving the veterans great joy and pleasure. The generous people of our community who donated to this project will help these brave veterans, who put their country first, be able to enjoy their golden years to the fullest,” said Fasano.

To learn more about the Baldomero home, call Rebecca Corley at 813-558-5000.

For information about the tax collector’s charitable giving programs, call Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179.

 

Health News 08/14/2024

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Autism in the home
Creating an autism-friendly home environment is important to promote comfort, safety and independence for children on the autism spectrum. Parents can foster an environment that supports the child’s well-being and development by implementing sensory-friendly design, organization and routine strategies. Mark Blakey, a writer for Autism Parenting Magazine, discusses the top 10 ways to create an autism-friendly home for a child.

(Yuri Shirota/Unsplash)

Minimize sensory overload. Children with autism can be sensitive to certain sounds, lights and textures. Blakey says, ‘Consider using soft lighting, noise-canceling headphones, and sensory-friendly materials to create a calming environment.’

Establish consistent routines. Routines provide structure and predictability, which can be comforting for children with autism. Develop consistent routines for daily activities, such as mealtimes, bedtimes and playtime.

Create a sensory-friendly space. Designate a quiet, low-stimulation area in the home where a child can retreat when feeling overwhelmed. This space can include comfortable seating, calming lighting and sensory toys or activities.

Organize and label. Clear organization and labeling can help children with autism navigate their environment more easily. ‘Use visual cues, such as pictures or color-coding, to label items and areas in your home,’ says Blakey.

Provide visual schedules. Visual schedules can help children understand and anticipate daily activities and transitions. Use pictures, symbols or written schedules to communicate routines and expectations.

Incorporate sensory-friendly furniture and décor. Choose furniture and décor that are comfortable and calming for the child. ‘Consider using soft textures, muted colors and minimalistic designs to create a soothing environment,’ says Blakey.

Limit clutter. Clutter can be overwhelming and distracting for children with autism. Keep living spaces organized and free of unnecessary items to promote a sense of calm and order.

Offer sensory-friendly activities. Provide sensory-friendly activities and toys that align with the child’s interests and sensory needs. These can include fidget toys, weighted blankets, or sensory bins.

Involve your child. Bring the child into the process of creating an autism-friendly home environment. Seek their input and preferences to ensure the modifications meet their specific needs and promote their comfort and independence.

For more information, including autism-related topics, events, treatments, success stories, and more, visit AutismParentingMagazine.com.

AEDs are medical devices used when a person is in cardiac arrest. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

Teaming up to save lives
AdventHealth Heart of Florida teamed up with the Haines City Police Department to provide more lifesaving devices to help officers when they respond to emergency calls.

The hospital donated eight additional AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) along with cases and supplies to be placed in patrol cars. Last year, AdventHealth donated seven AEDs to the police department.

Tim Clark, AdventHealth Polk market president and CEO, said he is delighted to have such a strong relationship with local law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel, in a news release.

AdventHealth also sponsored a Breast Cancer Awareness patrol car.

Chief Greg Goreck, Haines City Police Department, added that with these donated AEDs and the additional AEDs purchased by the department, every current patrol car will now have an AED in their vehicle, the release says.

Health News 08/07/2024

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Muscular Dystrophy fundraiser
The offices of Pasco Tax Collector Mike Fasano will feature Pasco Fire Rescue’s annual “Fill the Boot” Drive as its charitable organization during the month of August. All proceeds from the campaign will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association, a key organization supported by Pasco Fire Rescue/Pasco Firefighters Charities. Donations (“filling the boot”) can be made at any of the five tax collector locations in Pasco County or can be made online through Pasco TC Gives, at GovHub.com/fl-pasco/tc-gives/donate.

Zephyrhills hospital recognized
AdventHealth Zephyrhills has been recognized as a Maternal Levels of Care verified hospital by The Joint Commission through its collaboration with the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and support from the Florida Perinatal Quality Collaborative, according to a news release.

The national verification is awarded to hospitals that meet comprehensive maternal standards of care based on guidelines established by ACOG that work to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality.

To achieve the verification, AdventHealth Zephyrhills voluntarily went through a rigorous independent review to verify that it has the right staff, equipment, resources and processes in place to provide risk-appropriate maternal care. The process also includes a comprehensive on-site assessment, evaluation of maternal care capabilities and a policy compliance review, the release says.

The verification designated the Zephyrhills hospital as a Level I facility, which means it has demonstrated it can care for low to moderate-risk pregnancies, and detect, stabilize and initiate management of unanticipated maternal-fetal or neonatal challenges that occur throughout pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period until the patient can be transferred to a facility where specialized maternity care is available.

New health institute on the horizon
Pasco-Hernando State College received $1.5 million in state appropriations to fund the establishment of the new Nursing and Allied Health Advancement Institute. The innovative and collaborative institute will address the well-documented allied health and nursing shortage in the state of Florida and can be used as a model nationwide, according to a news release.

“Well-trained nurses and medical staff are needed over the next several decades not only for our community, but for our entire state,” said Rep. Randy Maggard, in the release. “I was honored to sponsor this funding request for my alma mater, so that we can ensure our best and brightest have the opportunity to study nursing right here in our community. Through this program, these future nurses and medical professionals will have the tools they need to prevent a crisis level nursing shortage in the future.”

The institute will be housed at the college’s Porter Campus at Wiregrass Ranch in Wesley Chapel.

For more information on the Nursing and Allied Health Advancement Institute, call Lisa Richardson, vice president of advancement, innovation and strategic partnerships, at 727-816-3404.

(Courtesy of Pasco-Hernando State College)

Merger for families and kids
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay and Success 4 Kids & Families announced the two organizations will merge operations. The projected date for the transition is Jan. 1 and programs run by Success 4 Kids & Families will be run by the Crisis Center as a core service area, according to a news release.

The Success nonprofit organization provides support and services for individuals and families coping with behavioral, emotional or mental health challenges.

The nonprofit Crisis Center operates a telephone contact center that answers seven crisis and community information lines; provides trauma counseling at three locations through teletherapy; serves as Hillsborough County’s certified rape crisis center; and operates TransCare Medical Transportation.

“I am thrilled that the quality programs that Success 4 Kids & Families has operated for years are going to continue to flourish with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. This merger complements the strengths of both agencies. Our clients and stakeholders can expect a seamless transition so they can continue to receive the same care and service they have received in the past,” said Pam Jeffre, executive director, Success 4 Kids & Families, in the release.

One million Floridians have been disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023

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(The Center Square) — Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) shows over 1 million Floridians were disenrolled from Medicaid since 2023, primarily for administrative reasons.

As of July 12, over 24 million U.S residents have been disenrolled from Medicaid.

The federal government asked states to provide continuous Medicaid coverage to those enrolled during the COVID-19 pandemic, even if their circumstances changed, making them ineligible for coverage.

(Spotmatik/Getty)

Since the pandemic came to an end, Medicaid allowed a year for states to transition back to normal operations. Florida began unwinding Medicaid enrollments in 2023.

According to KFF’s Medicaid Enrollment and Unwinding Tracker, Florida had 1.9 million residents disenrolled from coverage, while 3.1 million have had coverage renewed. Data shows around 64% were terminated for procedural reasons, while 36% of Floridians were found to be ineligible.

Before sending a renewal form or requiring documentation from an enrollee, federal rules specify that states are required to complete administrative renewals, also known as ex parte, to verify ongoing eligibility using available data.

In Florida, 32% of enrollees had coverage renewed through ex parte, while the remaining 68% had Medicaid coverage renewed through a renewal form. Net Medicaid enrollment declines for Florida from 2023 to July 12 was about 24%.

In the neighboring state of Georgia, approximately 792,000 people were disenrolled, while the state renewed coverage for almost 1 million people.

Alabama disenrolled roughly 369,000 people and renewed coverage for approximately 745,000, while Mississippi disenrolled 148,000 people and renewed coverage for 434,000 others.

The Foundation for Government Accountability released a report on the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act — also known as ObamaCare — to include able-bodied individuals, which will push up spending even further.

“Surging enrollment has led to skyrocketing spending. In 2013, taxpayers spent $406 billion on the Medicaid program,” the report states. “A decade later, total Medicaid spending has more than doubled, reaching nearly $874 billion.

“Medicaid now consumes nearly one-third of states’ non-capital budgets and is growing nearly twice as fast as state tax revenues. Expanding Medicaid in non-expansion states would burst already tight budgets and kick millions off of private insurance.”

Florida is currently a non-expansion state and provides over two million low-income people with health plans with no out-of-pocket premiums or deductibles.

Published July 31, 2024

Health News 07/31/2024

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A rendering of the new AdventHealth Meadow Pointe ER. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

New ER slated for Meadow Pointe
AdventHealth and Pasco County leaders broke ground on July 9 on the new Meadow Pointe off-site Emergency Room (ER) in the quickly developing area between AdventHealth Wesley Chapel and AdventHealth Zephyrhills, according to a news release.

The more than 13,000-square-foot ER, at 5170 Chapel Commerce Drive in Wesley Chapel, will have 12 patient beds, two triage rooms, and will offer imaging and lab services, the release says.

The new emergency room joins AdventHealth’s eight other freestanding ERs across the Tampa Bay area. This also includes an extensive and dedicated EMS fleet with 21 ambulances and AdventHealth AirStar 1, a medical helicopter dedicated to critical patient transport across the region.

Construction on the $26 million project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Respiratory virus updates
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its recommendations for vaccination against COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), according to a news release.

The updated 2024-2025 recommendations are:

  • COVID-19: The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 vaccine when the vaccines are available later this year. The new vaccine is formulated to protect against currently circulating variants of COVID-19 and from potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 illness this fall and winter.
  • Flu: The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months of age and older, with rare exceptions, receive an updated flu vaccine to reduce the risk of influenza and its potentially serious complications this fall and winter. Most people only need one dose of the vaccine each season. September and October remain the best times for most people to get vaccinated.

• RSV: If you have not already received an RSV vaccine and are age 60 or older, the CDC recommends a single dose of the RSV vaccine for people ages 60 to 74 who are at an increased risk with certain chronic medical conditions such as lung or heart disease, or they live in nursing homes or other long-term care facilities, as well as everyone age 75 and older. The best time to get vaccinated is in late summer or early fall, before RSV usually starts to spread in a community. However, eligible adults can get an RSV vaccine at any time.

The newly renovated 13,000-square-foot practice features state-of-the-art facilities, including an in-house laboratory, procedure room, classrooms and 11 exam rooms. (Courtesy of AdventHealth)

New medical education program opens
AdventHealth Wesley Chapel hosted a ribbon-cutting on July 16 for the hospital’s new Family Medicine Residency practice. The state-of-the-art facility will play a critical role in addressing the growing health care needs of one of the fastest-growing areas in Pasco County and Florida, according to a news release.

The newly renovated 13,000-square-foot practice features an in-house laboratory, procedure room, classrooms and 11 exam rooms. Residents and supervising physicians will provide comprehensive family medicine services, including lab work, 4D ultrasounds, preventive care, minor procedures and chronic disease management.

The program will train eight residents over three years, providing them with hands-on experience in a supportive, community-based setting.